Addiction, Life Transition, Trauma / PTSD, Mood Disorders, Substance Use, Grief
Accepted insurance & self-pay
About Melissa
I am a licensed independent clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience. Working with individuals of varying backgrounds and challenging issues—including addictions (all forms), complex post-traumatic stress, grief and loss, and difficult life transitions—has given me the ability to see and support people through their most difficult burdens, help them gain skills and insight, and uncover their strengths, capabilities, and resolve. People just want to feel better, have a sense of agency, and live life with some peace. I am honored to walk that journey with them.
I draw on a multitude of clinical modalities. Looking at an individual's history, childhood experiences, strengths, and challenges helps determine the best course of action—and the client always has the final say in their care. I am honest, compassionately confrontational, and reality-based, helping clients find the courage and insight to reach their goals.
I understand the difficulty in asking for help and the resistance to leaning on someone else to make real changes. I know the hurt you don't want anyone to know about and the deep-seated need to be understood. Let me walk alongside you—offering support, encouragement, and insight. Take that HUGE step forward and schedule an appointment. I am here for you.
"Having lived experience with a multitude of situations and conditions, I use a whole person model approach to support a person in the exploration of their authentic self for healing, growth & development, and identifying their resilience in life's ups and downs. "
Get to know Melissa
Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?
I wanted to support others in the manner I had been supported, knowing that identifying the need for and then asking for help is a difficult thing; I want the process to be rewarding and life changing with benefits that last a lifetime. I had wonderful mentors through my growth and development and know that support and having encouragement can make a difference for lasting change.
What types of clients do you work best with?
I work well with people who want honest, genuine insight to their issues, and who want to make the changes necessary for a meaningful and beneficial life. People who are struggling with a multitude of issues or challenges, from addictions to relationship issues of communication and intimacy, and those with grief and loss as well as complex post traumatic stress disorder.
What's one thing you wish all clients knew about therapy, mental health, or the healing process?
Therapy is not an easy and simple fix, it is the first step in making change, and mental health is just a term that means how one navigates life through their senses and neurological experiences, and the healing process is life long, sometimes with therapy involved and sometimes self-help or divine intervention, but healing is possible and the human spirit is BIG on potential.
What can clients expect in their first session with you and in the early stages of therapy?
First session is introductions to one another and the background information of the issues to make an informed decision about next steps and course of action. The stages of therapy are typically what I deem the IUD of therapy; identify, understand, and demonstrate. Identify the issues presenting the problems in life, understand where they come from and what needs to be done to correct or alter the issue, and demonstrate the change necessary for lasting relief of the issue.
What personal experiences or values inform your practice as a therapist/provider?
Through over 25 years experience working with a vast array of individuals from all walks of life with a multitude of challenges, I have learned a full set of skills, tools, practices, questions and experiences to support change and obtain growth, healing and serenity in an individuals path of life. I value the potential of the human spirit in desiring peace, wisdom, and strength for life's journey.
How do you tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs?
The direction of therapy is always a collaboration between my knowledge base and the clients stated needs for issue resolution. The treatment plan is developed together with forward stated expectations and goals.
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 37 years
- Graduating institute
- University of Washington, Seattle
- Graduating degree
- Master of Social Work
Additional details
Practice information
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